A group of head prefects from seven local high schools in Stellenbosch have launched a student board, aimed at uniting the youth and creating better communication channels between their schools.
This was according to Andrea Cornelissen, the head girl of Rhenish Girls’ High School.
According to Cornelissen, it was after an annual leadership function in February, which was hosted by investment holding company Remgro Limited, that the idea for the student board had formed.
“I realised that it was the first time where I saw all these schools come together in one sort of set-up. I really felt that this can’t be the only time in the year we gather,” said Cornelissen.
If it had not been for the nationwide lockdown and school closures, the student board would have already been active throughout this year, said Cornelissen.
“Everything we’ve done up until this point was to get everything in motion so that we can hand over the board to the new leadership of each school in October,” said Cornelissen.
Helmien Slabber, the principal of Rhenish Girls’ High School, said that the student board represents an opportunity for young leaders in Stellenbosch to share their ideas, success stories and struggles.
“This group of leaders has shown that they have a vision for a future where the Stellenbosch community becomes even more collaborative. They are determined to leave a legacy that speaks to their values and their sense of community,” said Slabber.
To ensure the longevity of the initiative, the group of leaders stayed in contact throughout the lockdown to get the board ready for the next group of leaders elected in October, said Bianca Dreyer, head girl of Lückhoff High School.
“We decided to stay in contact via WhatsApp and Zoom to continue what we started so the board will continue for future leaders,” said Dreyer.
Bridging divides
Dreyer said that the student board will also provide Lückhoff High School with networking opportunities for improving the current infrastructure of the school.
“My school has a lack of technology that can help the learners do better in their studies. So, the board can bring a fresh sense of unity between the schools to help one another grow,” said Dreyer.
According to Nigel Wenjere, the head boy of Makupula High School, the student board hopes to work towards ending the assumption that the local schools are all different.
“It’s going to show that at the end of the day, we are all students learning to make our lives better and that we can co-exist and do wonderful things together,” said Wenjere.
